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In March 2019, the Army Corps of Engineers was ordered by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to comply with federal law and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to explore alternatives to the transmission line over the James River at Jamestown. The Army Corps had previously issued a permit for Dominion’s proposal to build seventeen towers, some as tall as the Statue of Liberty, across the James River and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, as well as in the viewshed of Colonial National Historical Park.

The Army Corps recently released its court ordered Draft EIS for public comment. The Draft EIS failed to study alternatives proposed by an independent engineering firm retained by the National Trust. Instead, the Army Corps’ DEIS has reaffirmed support for Dominion’s existing, harmful project. The Army Corps is accepting public comments through February 10.

More information about this issue and the comment opportunity are available on the Preservation Leadership Forum.

Earlier this year, a federal court ruled that the massive power lines and 17 towers across the James River at Jamestown were constructed unlawfully. The Army Corps of Engineers has been ordered to comply with federal law and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to explore less harmful alternatives.

The Army Corps is now accepting public comments, and we’re bringing you a new opportunity to make your voice heard at a public meeting on Wednesday, July 17.

What: Army Corps of Engineers Public Meeting
When: Wednesday, July 17 at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Doubletree by Hilton Williamsburg, 50 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Street parking is available, and registration is not required. More details are available here.

During this meeting, the Army Corps of Engineers will accept public comments to help identify issues that the agency should consider while preparing the court ordered EIS. The public is invited to participate.

Please join the National Trust and our partners in asking the Army Corps to order Dominion Energy to remove their unlawfully built towers.

Dominion Energy’s project has dramatically altered the James River’s cherished historic landscape, Colonial National Historical Park, and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. The EIS process will determine the fate of this special place.

If you’d like to support the James River right now, send a written comment to the Army Corps. We will continue to keep you informed on this issue. Thank you for your support of the James.

Earlier this year, a federal court ruled that the massive power lines and 17 towers across the James River at Jamestown were constructed unlawfully. The Army Corps of Engineers has been ordered to comply with federal law and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to explore less harmful alternatives. The Army Corps is now accepting public comments.

Our position is clear: Remove the towers and restore the James River.

Alternatives exist that protect this landscape and provide reliable power. Dominion Energy’s transmission line irreparably harms the experience of Jamestown, the cradle of English settlement in America and the start of American democracy. Your comments will help protect the nationally recognized historic and natural resources of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, Colonial Parkway, Carter’s Grove, and Jamestown Island.

Please help us save the James today.

Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals in the D.C. Circuit ruled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to follow the federal legal requirements when they decided to allow Dominion Energy to build a massive power line and 17 towers across the James River at Jamestown.

The court rejected Dominion Energy’s permit and directed the Army Corps of Engineers to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The towers were energized earlier this week.

Read our full statement.

We want to take a moment to thank you for your dedication, whether you signed our petition in support, sent letters to your local officials, or submitted comments to urge the EIS. You helped ensure a decisive victory for this National Treasure and a win for historic preservation.

Briefing by the National Trust and the Department of Justice in the litigation to protect the James River at Jamestown was completed before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals this fall. On December 7, 2018, oral arguments were heard before a three judge panel. This appeal challenges the lower court’s decision that the Army Corps of Engineers complied with the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act in issuing a permit to Dominion Virginia Power to construct a massive transmission line across the James River in the viewshed of Carter’s Grove National Historic Landscape, Colonial Parkway, and Jamestown Island. We expect to receive a decision sometime in the new year.